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Portugal vs DR Congo Preview - Portugal backed against DR Congo at World Cup

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 16 Jun 2026

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John Eastwood 16 Jun 2026

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Portugal are clear favourites, but DR Congo are defensively resilient.
Expect Portugal to win with a clean sheet; Bruno Fernandes likely to score.
This is the first-ever meeting between the two teams.

Expired

Bruno Fernandes has scored 29 goals for Portugal (Getty)

Portugal vs DR Congo Predictions

Portugal are clear favourites but DR Congo have proven they can be very stubborn defensively. There shouldn't be an overflow of goals, but Portugal should have the quality to win.

Portugal vs DR Congo Predictions
Head to Head
Portugal Form
DR Congo Form
Portugal vs DR Congo News & Predicted Lineups

Head to Head

Portugal and DR Congo will meet for the first time in history here.

Portugal Form

Portugal thrashed Armenia 9-1 in their final World Cup qualifier to take top spot in Group F, three points ahead of Republic of Ireland. Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes bagged hat-tricks in Porto, the result never in doubt.

The Seleção met two World Cup co-hosts in March, a 0-0 draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca followed by a 2-0 victory over the United States in Atlanta.

Roberto Martinez’s side played two friendlies at home before heading to the World Cup. Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes scored in a 2-1 win against Chile, Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição on target in a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

DR Congo Form

Congo qualified for the World Cup the hard way, getting past two tough opponents in the CAF play-offs. They beat Cameroon 1-0 before a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria.

The Leopards went to the Africa Cup of Nations, easing into the Round of 16 are an unbeaten group stage that featured a 1-1 draw against Senegal. They conceded in the 119th minute against Algeria, going down 1-0 and exiting the tournament.

Sébastien Desabre's side played two friendlies this month, starting with a deserved 0-0 draw against Denmark. Joris Kayembe scored late in a 2-1 defeat to Chile, a game with few chances.

Portugal vs DR Congo News & Predicted Lineups

Antonio Silva, Mateus Fernandes, Ricardo Horta, Pedro Gonçalves and Paulinho all missed out after featuring in the March friendlies.

Renato Veiga competes with Gonçalo Inácio for a spot in central defence. Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 143 goals in 228 internationals which includes eight goals at the World Cup.

Portugal (4-2-3-1): Diogo Costa; João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, João Neves; Francisco Conceição, Bruno Fernandes, Pedro Neto; Cristiano Ronaldo

Hibernian defender Rocky Bushiri withdrew from the squad and was replaced by Aaron Tshibola.

Cedric Bakambu leads the way with 21 international goals. He could be in direct competition for a starting spot with Yoane Wissa who has nine goals in 38 appearances.

DR Congo (4-3-3):Lionel Mpasi-Nzau; Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Joris Kayembe; Noah Sadiki, Ngal'ayel Mukau, Samuel Moutoussamy; Theo Bongonda, Cedric Bakambu, Nathanael Mbuku

Verdict

Portugal v DR Congo

DR Congo don’t create many chances and could sit deep here and focus on counter attacking. I am backing Portugal to win to nil in Houston where Bruno Fernandes can find the net.

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Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.